Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,651, Phineas Downing, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Downing, Phineas
S. 31,651
CONTENTS
This soldier married Polly Young, widow of Robert Young - See Rev War claim J. 77.4944.

Connecticut 19879  Chid Pittsburg
Phineas Downing of Patapsco in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the Com. commanded by Captain Bacon of the regt commanded by Col. Chester in the Com. line for N. M. O.
Inscribed on the Roll of Chid Pittsburg at the rate of 40 Dollars & Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sept 1833 and Calvin ex Phelps Chandon
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 100.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 Mar 20.00 $120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk Book 6 Vol. 1 Page 109
M. C. to Pittsbg ag Nov. 21. 1835.
Transf to Connecticut from 4 Mar. 1835. Dec. 1. 1835 Not sent to Paw. 9 Helen, C.
Letter to P. morning and Pander 11. Dec 1839.
Paid at the rate of 40 Dollars per annum under the Act of March 4, 1835 to the day of his death. Age noted 31 Dec 1839

This Pitt: to C 5

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
County of Middlesex ss. State of Connecticut, Town of East Haddam - On this thirteenth day of November 1835, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Middlesex personally appeared Phinehas Downing who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Asa Bacon in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Ebenezer Dyer in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Ohio from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State (District, or Territory,) of Connecticut where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The follow- ing are his reasons for removing from Northfield, Ohio to East Haddam, Connecticut . to wit. That one of his sons resides at said East Haddam with whom he intends spending the residue of his life, name of his son is Erastus Downing a Mule Spinner in a Cotton Factory situated in said Town of East Haddam
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, } the day and year aforesaid. }
Phinehas Downing his mark
John C Palmer Justice of the Peace
A
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrates, whose official character and signature must be certi- fied by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify, that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

State of Connecticut } p East Haddam Nov 13 th A.D. 1835- Middlesex County }
Be it known that on the day and year aforesaid personally appeared Erastus Downing of said East Haddam, before me John C Palmer a Justice of the Peace in and for said Middlesex County and made oath that Phinehas Downing to whom I administered the within recited oath, and who made and signed the within affidavit in the presence of the said Erastus Downing, is the identical person named and described in the within affidavit.
Sworn & subscribed the day Erastus Downing & year aforesaid -
Before me John C Palmer Justice of the Peace -
State of Connecticut } p East Haddam Nov 13 th 1835- Middlesex County }
I John C Palmer Justice of the Peace in and for the County above named do hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Erastus Downing the person who this day appeared before me and made oath to and signed the foregoing affidavit for more than six years now last past; that said Erastus Downing has ever sustained the character of an upright, honest, industrious and peaceable citizen and ever since my acquaintance with him, has worked in the capacity of Mule Spinner in a Cotton Factory in said East Haddam of which my Father is part owner, (thereby increasing my means of information respecting his character) and that said Erastus Downing is in my opinion and for aught I have ever heard or known is universally considered a man of undoubted veracity and respectability.
Given under my hand at East Haddam aforesaid the day and year last above written -
C. John C Palmer Justice of the Peace -

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex } I John Fiske Clerk of the County Court for the County of Middlesex do certify that John C. Palmer Esquire was on the 13 th inst and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Middlesex as per Commission on file in my office, and that his name subscribed to the within Cer- tificates marked A. B. C. are his proper hand writing and signature —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Middletown in said County this 18 th day of Nov A D 1835.
John Fiske Clerk —

17,876
Phineas Dorney
from 1776 private opp #40. Return 6. 11. 12. 14
Edwin F. Phelps. Chardon Ohio Knottsville Ravenna Ohio

17876
BRIEF in the case of  Phineas Downing  of  Patapsco  in the State of  Ohio  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? about  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 71 - born 1761  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     25 June 76 6 private Gen. Capt. Bacon Col. Chester   Summer 77 3 " Capt. Robison   Summer 78 3 " officer, name not recollected  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Canterbury Conn.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witness, Tradition  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. C. Easton Examining Clerk. 20 Feb 1833

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Dec. 17 th 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The child ren of Phineas Downing, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency, at the rate of forty — Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1835, to the 22 nd Dec. 1835, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Harris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

State of Ohio - Portage County - ss
Personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting for the said County this 15 th day of October 1832 Phineas Downing of Northfield County and State of Ohio and who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jan y 7 1832 that he enlisted into the Connecticut State Troops and on the 25 th day of June in the year 1776 in Canterbury Connecticut under the command of Capt Asa Bowen of Canterbury, in the regiment commanded by Col John Chester, that he marched from Canterbury through Norwich & New London in Conn to New York and served six months in different parts of the State of New York and that he was discharged at Peterkill in the year 1776 that in the summer of 1777 he enlisted in the town of Canterbury in the company commanded by Abner Robison that he marched from Canterbury through Norwich to New London and that he was stationed at New London three months and was there dismissed and returned to Canterbury - that in the summer of 1778 he enlisted in Canterbury (the officers names cannot be recollected) and went into Providence in Rhode Island where he entered into a company - where he remained three months - and was discharged - and returned to Canterbury - he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares his name is not on the Pension Roll of any State
In presence of Mr. C. Burroughs Clerk Phineas his Downing I have to and subscribed the foregoing before me John H. Skinner Dept. Clk. Ques Where and in what year were you born? Ans In Canterbury State of Connecticut in the year 1761 Ques Have you any record of your age? Ans I have none

Ques Where were you living when called into service when have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live
Ans I was living in Can'tatay when called into service and lived since the revolution in the State of New York and since that time in Northfield State of Ohio
Ques Now where you called into service
Ans I enlisted
Ques Did you ever receive a discharge?
Ans I did not.
Ques State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the revolution?
Ans Barns Wood and Chauncy Granger I also offer the affidavits of Stephen Downing and Silas Cleveland to prove my service. Phineas and Downing made
In presence of Mrs. H. Burroughs
I swear to and subscribe the day and year aforesaid
Before me John B. Skinner Dept. Colk.
I Henry Wood of Northfield Portage County and State of Ohio do hereby declare that and Chauncy Granger of Ravenna Portage County and State of Ohio do hereby certify that he are well acquainted with Phineas Downing who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that he believes to be 70 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that opinion -
I swear to and subscribe the day and year aforesaid Henry Granger Henry Wood
John B. Skinner Dept. Clerk C.C.P.

The State of Ohio } I George Kirkum Clerk of the Court of Portage County ss } Common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Phineas Downing for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Chauncey Granger who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the Township of Ravenna in said county and that Henry Wood who has also signed the same is a resident in the Township of Northfield in the county aforesaid that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
The State of Ohio } I George Kirkum Clerk of the court of Common Portage County ss } Pleas of the county of Portage and State of Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Phineas Downing for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. —
Geo. Kirkum Clerk.

Silas Cleaveland of Canterbury in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged seventy six years do testify and say, that I enlisted into the Connecticut State troops, and on the 25 th day of June in the year 1776 joined the company at Canterbury in (Conn) under the command of Cap t Asa Bacon of said Canterbury, in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Chester, and went from said Canterbury through Norwich to New London in (Conn) to New York, and served for the term of six months in different parts of the State of New York. And I well recollect that Mr. Phinehas Downing, now residing in the State of Ohio, was a member of said company with me, and that he joined said company as a private at the same time with me, and that he continued and served in said company with me for the full term of six months, and that we were both discharged at the same time at Peekskill in the State of New York on the 25 th day of December, in the year 1776 - During the time when the service stated above was performed the said Downing was called Phinehas Downing ss and that at the time said Downing joined said company as above stated he belonged & resided in said town of Canterbury. And further the deponent saith not -
Silas Cleaveland
Windham County ss. Brooklyn September 5 th 1832. Then Cap t Silas Cleaveland signee of the above deposition personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. I also certify that I am acquainted with the said deponent, and know him to be a credible witness -
Almin Bolles Justice of the Peace

I Ammin Boller Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Ammin Boller before whom the within affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the foregoing signature of his name is in his hand writing &c.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 3 d day of September A.D. 1832
Ammin Boller Clerk

Thomas Downing
17876

I, Stephen Downing of Monroe in the County of Monroe and Territory of Michigan, aged Seventy two years, do my oath do depose and say, That I was a soldier of the Revolution, and know that my brother Phineas Downing enlisted in June 1776 in a company commanded by Captain Asa Bacon in a regiment of Connecticut State troops commanded by Col. John Chester in which he served six months and was discharged at P'keepsill having served the full time of his enlistment. And further that the said Phineas Downing in the summer of 1777 entered into Captain Abner Robinson's company in Col. Ely's regiment of Connecticut state troops, or militia, and served at New-London for three months when he was discharged. And further that the said Phineas Downing served six months as a teamster principally between West Point & Albany. And this deponent further says that in addition to the time or times before mentioned the said Phineas Downing did also serve as a soldier in said Army at Providence Rhode Island, but how long the said Phineas Downing served at that place this deponent can not remember. That said Phineas Downing resided (during the Revolutionary War) and enlisted at Canterbury, Windham County Connecticut. And further this deponent saith not. Stephen Downing
Territory of Michigan } Monroe County } Personally appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Stephen Downing above named, and made solemn oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition are true to the best of his knowledge and belief. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Stephen Downing and know him to be a credible person. Given under my hand, at Monroe aforesaid this second twenty day of May A.D. 1833. Peter T. Ferris } Justice Peace Judicial Proceed

Territory of Michigan County of Monroe ss.
Be it Known and I do hereby certify that Peter P. Ferry whose certificate appears to the foregoing deposition was on the twenty second day of May instant a Justice of the peace for the County of Monroe in Said Territory, duly Commissioned & Sworn, and I do further certify that I am well acquainted with his Signature, and that his Signature to Said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the County Court of Monroe County aforesaid, at Monroe this 22 d day of May A.D. 1833. Laurent Durocher Clerk of Monroe County.

The State of Ohio } Geauga County }
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for said
county, Phineas Downing aged seventy two years in April last, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that at the time of making the foregoing declaration, in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, he resided in Northfield in Portage County, as therein stated, but that since that time he has removed to Geauga County aforesaid where he has children living & where he formerly resided himself. That he has stated in his said declaration the names of his Captain & Col. in his first tour of service, to wit, Captain Asa Bacon & Colonel John Chester under whom he served six months That in his second tour of service he was under the command of Captain Abner Robinson, whom he has also mentioned in his declaration, in the regiment, of Colonel Ely of the Connecticut state troops, and served at New London, three months That his memory being much impaired by age, he can not now recollect the names of the officers under whom he served in Rhode Island, he having been taken from the ranks to assist in preparing fire ship to annoy the enemy's shipping, and was afterwards put on board a Schooner which was to go with the fire ship, but the fire ship took fire when on her way to Newport & was consumed, he then returned to the ranks again. He is positive that his term of service there was not less than three months — That besides the foregoing mentioned tour of service, he served for 6 months as a wagoner in the state of New York, but as he was informed that no allowance would be made for such service he did not think it worth while to mention it in his declaration
Sworn and subscribed this thirtieth day of May A.D. 1833, by said Phineas }
In presence of E. F. Phelps
Phineas his  X Downing mark
Downing, whom I know to be the identical Phineas Downing who has subscribed the foregoing declaration, and who is a person of truth & veracity — before me
Hilton Canfield Justice of the Peace

I Nathaniel Cobb a Clergyman residing in Hambleton in the county of Geauga & state of Ohio, do hereby certify, that I am acquainted with Phineas Downing who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration & affidavit, that I believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he now resides, and in the neighbourhood where he has formerly resided, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion Sworn and subscribed, this 30 day of May A.D. 1833. before me Nathaniel Cobb. Nathan Canfield justice of the peace
The State of Ohio } Geauga County, ss }
I D. Aiken Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do hereby certify that William Canfield Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of the Rev. Nathaniel Cobb appear to have been taken, on the day of the date hereof, is a justice of the peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, according to law; that I am well acquainted
with the handwriting of the said justice, and do verily believe the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are true and genuine. And I further certify, that it appears from the Records of said Court (which Court, by the laws of said State, is authorized to grant licenses to Clergymen in good standing to solemnize Marriages) that the said Nathaniel Cobb, is a Clergyman, of good standing, in the Presbyterian Church -
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Chardon, this 30th day of May A.D. 1833
D. Aiken, Clerk
I also certify that the words "of the Rev. Nathaniel Cobb" were inserted by me, in the above certificate, D. Aiken, Clerk

31651 Rev INVALID.
File No. 31,651
Phineas Downing
Rev Mr
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J. L. Edwards Esq s Commissioner of Pensions Washington

The amended declaration of Phineas Downing — please address returns to Edwin F. Phelps. Chardon Geauga County Ohio

Nov 21 Mrs. David Clark
Ohio 1989 Pension for Helen
FREE
Office Washington D.C.

Nov 30 Miss Deborah Weston Miss Anne Weston Edward Sturges Comr. of Pensions Washington

Manufact g Bank Pittsburgh 25. Nov. 1835
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 21 st instant, have to state, that Phineas Downing Private was last paid, at this Bank, to the 4 th March 1835.
Very respectfully,
Your most ob t Servant
Henry C. for M c Ferran Pr.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington.

17,876
Phineas Dorrington
E. F. Phelps Chardon
Ohio
Ino Whittelsey
Ravenna Ohio

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Phineas Dorrance which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Y
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Y
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? ✓
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Y
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Y
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No all except 1st of 3rd no more he can not recollect
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Y
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Y
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Y
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
No amended
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
No as to Clancy - Amended
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
*** Mr Downings service was in the State troops of Connecticut of which no rolls exist